Published on Syracuse.com on October 9, 2025
To the Editor:
I am writing to voice my opposition to the Onondaga County Proposition One that will appear on the November ballot.
Prop One does two things:
- It imposes a term limit of 12 years starting with elections held after 2026 (which is a good thing).
- It extends the term of office from two years to four years.
Currently, we elect the following for two year terms: state senator, state Assembly person and U.S. Congress. With a two-year term, politicians need to be more responsive to their constituents.
The proposed four-year term for county legislators is just too long a time. Legislators will become less responsive as they can let things slide and hope that voters don’t remember what measures they voted for and against.
An example of this in my 10th District (most of the Town of Manlius) is incumbent Mark Olson’s total support for the aquarium despite widespread opposition. He needs to be held accountable now.
Proponents of the change say, ”It is too much trouble to have to campaign every two years.”
This is baloney. With all the ways now available to communicate with your constituents, you should be regularly updating them on issues and measures taking place at the county level of governmen through electronic newsletters, Facebook, websites and even occasional snail mail.
The position of county legislator is too important to allow extension to a four-year term. The budget alone is $1.6 billion.
Vote for responsive government. Vote no on Proposition One.
Bob Webber
Fayetteville